William and Kate leaving the hospital before news broke about the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha

Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found unconscious at an address near the private Central London hospital at around 9.30am this morning. Paramedics were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family said tonight that they were “deeply saddened “deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha”.

Mrs Saldanha replied “Oh yes, just hold on ma’am” and put the presenters through to another duty nurse who was caring for the Duchess.

The duty nurse, who believed she was speaking to the Queen, then gave private information about the Duchess’ medical condition.

The ‘joke’ made global headlines, and now the radio host’s are being widely criticised. However the incident did prompt the hospital to review it’s telephone protocol.

A spokesman for the Royal couple has released the following statement saying that they were “deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha….(and) their thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very sad time”.

SCA, owners of the radio station that broadcast the prank, have released the following statement: